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Emmetts House and Garden, Ide Hill in Kent shortly after the hurricane on October 16, 1987. Credit: Mike Howarth/PA Archive

The storms that the UK endured this winter caused the greatest loss of trees since the "Great Storm" of 1987, the National Trust has said.

Old oak, ash and beech trees have been lost in woods, while specimen trees in parks and gardens have also been damaged as at least a dozen storms swept through the UK from December to February.

Given the extent of the wild weather, which hit the western half of England, Wales and Northern Ireland particularly badly, losses could have been worse, National Trust nature and wildlife specialist Matthew Oates said.

A resident checks his home next to the River Thames in Shepperton, Surrey. Credit: PA

Communities along the River Thames in Surrey should remain prepared for further flooding, the head of flood incident management for the Environment Agency has warned, as more rain is expected to fall over the next few days.

Craig Woolhouse said: "The River Thames is continuing to respond to the recent rainfall.

"River levels will remain high for the next few days and we urge people keep up to date with the latest flood warnings and take action.

"With so much standing water around, we would also remind people to stay out of flood water and not attempt to walk or drive through it."

The Environment Agency has said residents living along the lower reaches of the River Thames in Surrey should remain prepared for further flooding as water levels continue to rise.

The Thames is expected to stop rising today, but it may be some days before the levels are back to normal, it said.

There is also an ongoing risk of flooding from the Rivers Parret in Somerset and the Severn in the Midlands. High groundwater levels mean we are likely to see continued flooding in areas such as the Somerset levels and moors, Dorset and Wiltshire.

A Rottweiler dog has been rescued from mud at Langstone Harbour by the Hayling Island and Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Teams. The eight-year-old dog, Buddy, had become stuck up to his chest in mud whilst enjoying an afternoon stroll with his owner.

Buddy was rescued after becoming stuck in mud Credit: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Steve Duff, Portsmouth Coastguard Sector Manager says:

"If you’re out walking with your dog near cliffs or areas that you suspect might be dangerous, it’s advisable to keep your dog on a lead.

"However, if your pet takes an unexpected deviation and gets into difficulty at the coast, please do not attempt to rescue it yourself but call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. We have specialised equipment to ensure that your dog can be rescued safely without endangering you.”